HAWK TALK

December 2016

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124 University before attending graduate school at the University of Iowa. Bruce already knew the landscape in Iowa City. He and high school teammate Mike Haight were members of the Hawkeye football program, but Bruce le early in his career to attend Waldorf College and then South Dakota State University, where he was named to the Jackrabbits' all-time team. A linebacker, Bruce was selected in the eighth round of the 1986 NFL Dra by the Denver Broncos. From 1986-89, with Klostermann on the roster, the Broncos went to three Super Bowls, losing to the New York Giants in 1987 (39-20), the Washington Redskins in 1988 (42-10), and the San Francisco 49ers in 1990 (55-10). "Life isn't always fair," Bruce said. "We went to three Super Bowls when I was with the Broncos and we lost all three. At that moment it was incredible -- being such a high and a few hours later being on the lowest of lows. You look back and it's a mere speck of time. It is nothing to do with life, it is a learning experience. How big a moment is it for you? It's a speck of time, so put your head down and keep going. It passes and there will be other moments." at advice resonates with Alyssa. In fact, there were several occasions during her sports career where she wanted time by herself to pout aer a tough loss. Bruce would never stand for it. "I'm a competitive person and I hate losing," Alyssa said. "Growing up in club (volleyball) when we would lose, I would pity party and be so mad at myself. My dad knew how to cheer me up. He would whisper in my ear, 'Trust me, Alyssa, I have lost a Super Bowl.' I would be, gosh darn it dad, come on, can't I be sad for once? He has been there and that is what is so cool. He taught me there is more to life, you have to pick up your head and keep moving forward." Having a dad who played in multiple Super Bowls is something to brag about. Alyssa said that even though everyone was aware of her father's football exploits, she would occasionally take a Super Bowl ring to school to impress classmates. ere was no concern that anyone would be foolish enough to

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